Supporting oncology professionals through education
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The content on this site is intended for healthcare professionals only
A research team funded by the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) has developed a powerful software that simulates cancer cell behaviour, enabling scientists to model tumour growth, immune responses, and treatment outcomes in a virtual setting.
Published this week in Cell, the study combines genomic data with advanced computational modelling to forecast how cancer and immune cells interact and evolve, providing researchers with a powerful, computer-based tool to explore treatment options alongside lab models and clinical trials, without the cost or risk to patients.
The study was co-led by NFCR-funded collaborating team, Dr. Lisa M. Coussens of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), an expert in tumour immunology, and Dr. Elana J. Fertig of the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), a leader in mathematical modelling and genomics.
Dr. Coussens contributed single-cell atlases of tumour environments, while Dr. Fertig’s team built simulations to test how tumours in preclinical models might respond to various treatment scenarios.
“This gives us a new, in silico approach to explore complex cancer dynamics,” said Dr. Fertig.
“It’s like a weather model—but for cancer biology.”
The study was the result of extensive cross-institutional collaboration, with other lead researchers from Indiana University, Johns Hopkins University, OHSU and UMSOM.
A highlight of the work is the “hypothesis grammar” developed by Dr. Paul Macklin’s team at Indiana University, which translates biological theory into computational logic.
“Breast cancer is notoriously difficult to treat,” said Dr. Coussens.
“By modelling how immune cells like macrophages impact tumour growth, we can better predict which treatment combinations may be most effective.”
Dr. Sujuan Ba, President and CEO of NFCR, praised the project’s cross-disciplinary teamwork: “This project embodies our mission—bringing together scientific minds across disciplines to accelerate the discovery of better treatments and cures. Computational modelling is a powerful addition to the cancer research toolbox.”
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